I keep my face neutral. “She’s… training. Doing her own thing.”
“Mm-hmm,” Maddie said, clearly unconvinced. She leaned in like she was about to reveal state secrets. “Did you know there’s a full race replay on YouTube? Front to back. Commentary and everything. She even bagged a podium.”
I shook my head, a laugh escaping before I could stop it. “Of course you’d know that. You probably have alerts set for her name.”
“Well, someone’s got to keep tabs on your…friend.”
I rolled my eyes, trying to play it cool.
She tossed me a wink before heading back toward the quarters, leaving me with nothing but the sound of bouncing balls.
I shook my head, trying to push the thoughts aside, and followed Dani and Maddie toward our quarters. The sun had dipped a little, casting long shadows across the academy grounds.
As soon as I reached the entrance, Alex and her dad were there, mid-stride, hauling enormous bags that looked like bike cases, the kind built to hold actual racing bikes. Both of them paused, their expressions a mix of surprise and disbelief.
“Olivia?” Miguel said, raising an eyebrow. “Didn’t expect to see you here again soon.”
I swallowed, trying to sound casual while my stomach flipped. “Amelia’s helping me work on my serve. Figured I’d come back to the roots before the season really kicks off.”
Alex nodded slowly, looking genuinely impressed. “Makes sense… good call.”
Miguel nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Well, I'll let you guys catch up and I’ll get these bags and bikes over there.”
Then he heaved the largest of the bike cases onto his shoulder and disappeared down the hallway, leaving the two of us standing there in the lobby.
“So Triathlon now, huh?” I said, trying to break the silence as I gestured toward the massive bike bags.
“Ah, yes. Taking a break from tennis to pursue my Olympic dream.” Alex said with a shrug and a wry smile.
“And you just flew in here to Wilson Academy, with all this gear?” I gestured at the mountain of bags.
“Yeah, we actually just got back from Toulouse. Had a race there yesterday, and now we’re setting up my gear here. We actually have half Olympic size pool here. Makes life easier than hopping between gyms and courses across the city.”
I raised an eyebrow, taking in the sheer size of the bike cases. “Wow… and all this just to train? You’re insane.”
She grinned, tossing a strap over her shoulder. “Hey, at least I don’t have to worry about losing my bike in the lobby.”
I smirked. “True… though knowing you, you’d probably still find a way to trip over it.”
Then she tilted her head, curious. “So… Amelia bossing you around. Feels weird, huh?”
I shrugged, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “A little. But it’s good. I mean… after the US Open and all that, I needed a reset. Figured going back to my roots was the safest bet.”
She nodded, crossing her arms. “Yeah, I get that. I mean… look at me. I end up dragging suitcases bigger than me across airports to get here.”
I laughed again. “And here I thought I was the dramatic one.”
“You? Please. Drama doesn’t suit you. You actually came back to focus, not just complain about the serve.” Her grin widened.
I rolled my eyes but felt a warm tug in my chest. “Are you planning on stopping by the courts while I torture myself with basics?”
“Maybe,” she said, smirking. “Maybe just to make sure you’re not slacking. You know… moral support.”
I groaned, though I couldn’t help smiling. “Right. Moral support. Of course.”
“Honestly, you might need it. I’ve seen your serve lately… not that I’m judging.” She leaned closer, smirking.
“Oh, you’re judging,” I shot back. “I can see it in your smirk.”
